APRIL 2016 COVER story 6 Worcester’s Best Bartenders
in this issue
LGBTQ+ events
28 the luxe list:
entertainment
Spring travel helpers
14 anthony hoang’s career is on fire
FOOD & DRINK
15 netflixjunkie:
30 new around the woo:
Netflix gets drunk
Greater Than Less Than
16 Mike kelly steps out on his own
31 hot & now
17 GameOn:
32 Dining review:
The Avengers have arrived
Pho Bowl has plenty of flavor
18 THE central scene
33 Pulsebrew:
19 Pulsebooks: Celebrate spring with books about fresh starts
20 Club, Pub & grub Listings
32
Girl Scout cookies and beer
read pulse Online @
sports & fitness
ThePulseMag.com
34 On guard for mental health
BEAUTY & sTYLE
24 PulseShots 36 beauty from the sea
Lifestyle
14
27 OUT+ABOUT:
Lifestyle: Renew yourself for sprig NowStreaming: Danzig / Design of the Dog / Alex Newell
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PULSE Magazine is produced 12 times a year by Pagio Inc., 88 Winter St., Worcester, MA 01604. (508) 756-5006. Copyright 2015 All rights reserved. Pagio, Inc. does not hold itself responsible for statements made by any contributor. Statements or opinions expressed in Pulse reflect the views of the author(s) and not the official policy of the Pagio, Inc., unless so stated. Although all advertising material is expected to conform to ethical standards, acceptance does not imply endorsement by Pagio, Inc. unless so stated. Material printed in Pulse is covered by copyright. No copyright is claimed to any work of the U.S. government. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission. For information on permissions, reprints and other services, contact Pagio, Inc. Also by Pagio Inc.: Worcester Medicine, Vitality Magazine, Thepulsemag.com, Thevitalitymag.com, & TasteWorcester.com
Paul Giorgio, Publisher Donna Roberson, Editor Vanessa Herbold, Art Director Chris Reddy, Kerry Cyganiewicz, Alex Theisen, Kyle Sullivan Account Executives Mitchell Perry, Event Manager Kim Dunbar, Sports Editor
Jennifer Russo, Lifestyle Editor Kimberly Dunbar, Jennifer Russo, Jason Savio, Bernie Whitmore, Michael Wood, Paul Giorgio, Zac Martucelli, Merilee Kern Kerry Cyganiewicz, John Trobaugh, Jamie Burke Writers
April 2016 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 5
c o v e r s t o r y
Photography: justin perry studios location: armsby abbey, worcester, ma
You sent us your suggestions. We checked them out. It was a tough job, but we went all around the city searching for bartenders that gave great service, made killer drinks and were a ton of fun behind the bar. So here are our picks for Worcester’s Best Bartenders – see what they have to say for themselves and find out when and where you can catch them in action!
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Age: Early middle age… Hometown: Foxborough – Go Pats! What makes you a great bartender? I just try do what I would want as a guest at any other bar/restaurant What do you enjoy most about your job? The people that come in and the people I work with and the people I work for. What’s the most annoying thing a customer has done? Convincing a drunk person to take a cab, get them in, even pay for it, then the cab returns, and they get into their car and drive off. What are your hobbies? Music, hiking, biking, cooking. What is something most people don’t know about you? My wife, Jill, had to stalk me for months before she finally cornered me and kissed me. What is your passion? My kids. What is your superpower? Captain Know-It-All. What drink do you make that you consider your specialty? Pairing wine to guests’ palettes or food. Not a craft cocktail guru. What do you drink when you go out? Wine or beer. Visit Matt at Bocado, 82 Winter St., Worcester, WednesdaySaturday nights. April 2016 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 7
Age: 33 Hometown: Dudley What makes you a great bartender? I think what has brought me success in the field is having a desire to learn about the products that I put on our back bar and to dive into the history of cocktails. I’ve been able to learn from some of the biggest names in the field and travel to distilleries to see production. That knowledge – and the passion for it – allows me to enhance the experience that guests have at my bar. What do you enjoy most about your job? Sharing my passion with people! I’ve been able to introduce people to things they might’ve never known they’d like, such as aquavit or sherry! I also love the creative outlet that coming up with cocktails provides! What’s the most annoying thing a customer has done? The most annoying thing any customer can do is be close-minded about what they drink. We don’t serve the same old stuff at Armsby Abbey, but we have curated a list of beer, spirits and wine that we’re all proud to serve! And we put in the time to educate the staff, so they can help guests find something they will enjoy and probably even love! We’ve had people walk out because we don’t carry the big name brand they’re loyal to. I find that annoying. What are your hobbies? If the winter was better, I’d say snowboarding, but I haven’t been able to get much of that in this year. I also enjoy cooking and baking, travelling, reading, yoga and meditation. What is something most people don’t know about you? Most people don’t know that I was the president of my sorority in college. You’d be surprised how much that translates to running a bar! What is your passion? It may sound corny, but I’ve liked mixing drinks ever since I put Sprite in my Coke at the soda fountain as a kid. Being able to mix cocktails is a great creative outlet. You learn about distillation and flavor, how flavors play with one another and how they can complement food. You learn about the drinks of other cultures and how spirits, beer and wine have brought cultures together for centuries. What is your superpower? My boss would say sarcasm. I’d say using my dimples to get what I want. My boss is right, though. What drink do you make that you consider your specialty? I have a knack for making whiskey drinks that please both the aficionado and those who claim to hate whiskey. Not a whiskey fan? I dare you to come in for brunch and drink a Founders Breakfast and tell me it’s not delicious! What do you drink when you go out? This is entirely dependent on the place, but my go-to for beer is a hazy IPA, my cocktail is an Old Fashioned, and we’re coming up on rosé season! Visit Joy at Armsby Abbey, 144 Main St., Worcester, on Wednesday nights and during weekend brunch.
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Age: 35 Hometown: Worcester What makes you a great bartender? It’s understanding that a customer can go anywhere in town for a cocktail. Essentially, booze is booze, no matter how crafty some try to make it. When our guests come in to the Chop, I try to connect with them, make it fun and give the best professional experience they could possibly have at a bar and restaurant. What do you enjoy most about your job? Every night is different; I work with some great people and eat incredible food every day. But still, the people that come in entertain me the most. What’s the most annoying thing a customer has done? The “one drink at a time order.” I’m a big boy; give them all to me at once. Really, it’s a chronic problem and needs to be publicly addressed. What are your hobbies? I hobby. Dabble in most things. Running has been my longest friend. We argue every so often, but we always end up back together. I like playing tennis, like long bike excursions on the Trek, received my black belt five years ago in Tae Kwon Do, and I definitely want to try to swing the golf clubs like an adult this year. What is something most people don’t know about you? I am in my last semester of nursing school and graduating in May. What is your passion? I like adventures. Anything. Travel is good, going to new places. Doing new things. Basically learning new things and always being interested. What is your superpower? Smoooooooooooshing. What drink do you make that you consider your specialty? My own. I always make mine the best. What do you drink when you go out? I’m an opportunist. If a place states they make a killer cocktail, I’m in. Otherwise, I like beer – all shapes, sizes and attitudes. Visit Joe at 111 Chop House, 111 Shrewsbury St., Worcester, on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights. April 2016 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 9
Age: 23 Hometown: Oxford What makes you a great bartender? I wouldn’t say I’m great! I still have a lot to learn. I’ve only been bartending in Worcester for four months. I think what sets me apart, though, is that I’m so personable. I LOVE working with people. I feel like most bartenders are just so focused on coming in, making money on their shift and leaving. That’s fine; I make really good money and I’m thankful for that, but I like to take the time to get to know my customers, as well. I want them to feel welcome when they come into my bar. I want them to have fun and unwind so we can enjoy each other’s company. What do you enjoy most about your job? What I enjoy most are my regulars! I really feel as if I have the best customers. They make my job easy. I also have really great co-workers and two awesome bosses. What’s the most annoying thing a customer has done? I hate when customers will yell and wave their Keno tickets at me, especially when I have a full bar. I think that’s so rude. What are your hobbies? I love going on adventures with my dog! We like exploring new hiking trails, lakes, fields – all that fun stuff. She’s awesome. I also love cooking and baking. I’ve been known to whip up a good meal or two. What is something most people don’t know about you? I have a pet rat named Rhonda Mousey. What is your passion? My passion is helping animals. I used to volunteer at a shelter, and I work at a veterinarian hospital, as well. When I purchase my first home, I’m definitely going to become a foster mom. I can’t wait! That’s my motivation for the future. What is your superpower? I can make a large cheese pizza disappear by myself. What drink do you make that you consider your specialty? My specialty drink is my Loaded Bloody Mary. I think a Bloody Mary should be a meal within itself, so I make it with all the fixings. Steak sauce, Slim Jims, bacon, pickles, olives, pepperoncinis, cheese and crackers – it’s all in there. What do you drink when you go out? I recently discovered Deep Eddy’s lemon vodka. How I’ve just discovered this delicious masterpiece from the vodka gods, I have no idea, but I’m so glad I did. I’m simple; I’ll just drink a Deep Eddy’s lemon with soda water. Visit Erin Monday and Thursday nights, Tuesday and Friday afternoons and Sunday days at The 9ines Neighborhood Bar, 136 Millbury St., Worcester.
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Age: 26 Hometown: Worcester What makes you a great bartender?
Other than my rad personality, being very
attentive to my customers, I would say. Also, my ability to multitask and sling drinks in a timely fashion.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Hands down, my customers. I meet people from all walks of life. You never leave here without a story to tell.
What’s the most annoying thing a customer has done? I had a customer once try to be
charming, and he would play “Beth” by KISS on the jukebox. He played it over and over
and over again. I think I heard it 15 times a shift.
What are your hobbies? When I’m not
working, you will typically find me out and about doing something in the community, from hiking to museums to local shows. I
love Worcester; the city has a lot to offer if you know where to look.
What is something most people don’t know about you? I love crafts and creating art.
I design all the chalkboards and window
designs at the bar. You usually will find me with some chalk and markers in hand.
What is your passion? My passion is teaching. I’ve taught early
education (preschool and pre-K) for the last eight years in and around Central Mass.
What is your superpower? If I had a
superpower, it would be the ability to
manipulate time. I tend to take on tasks that
I don’t necessarily have all the time for. Who wouldn’t want the ability to sleep in just one more hour a day?
What drink do you make that you consider
your specialty? I’ve been told I make a mean Bloody Mary on Sundays. Other than that, I try to whip up whatever a customer prefers.
What do you drink when you go out? I’m a beer drinker. If I’m not trying a local brew, I’m typically sipping on some wine.
Visit Beth at the White Eagle Polish Club, 116 Green St., Worcester, Tuesday and Thursday nights and Friday and Sunday afternoons.
April 2016 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 11
Age: 25 Hometown: Holden What makes you a great bartender? Consistency of drink quality and
executing drink orders as fast as possible to keep wait times minimal.
What do you enjoy most about your job? My bar has a very high number
of regular customers. They all become
friends, not just customers. Getting to
know all of them on a personal level is the most rewarding part of this job. What’s the most annoying thing a
customer has done? Anyone who comes out to a nightlife/social environment
with an aggressive attitude or desire to
start trouble is the biggest annoyance in this business. I believe most bartenders
and bar managers would agree with this. What are your hobbies? Vacations,
enjoying New England sports teams, purchasing large televisions.
What is something most people don’t know about you? I know the first 34
digits of Pi thanks to Pi Day in eighth grade.
What is your passion? I’m passionate about the hospitality business and
striving to improve it day after day. What is your superpower? I’m not
great with remembering names, but I
will always remember what a customer drinks, smokes and any special
preferences he/she may have to make the night more enjoyable.
What drink do you make that you
consider your specialty? I particularly
enjoy creating colorful, sweet and girly martinis.
What do you drink when you go out?
My favorite adult beverages are Dogfish Head 90 Min IPA and Jameson Irish Whiskey.
Visit Mark at Michael’s Cigar Bar, 1
Exchange Place, Worcester, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
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e n t e rta i n m e n t
why Anthony Hoang’s career is on fire By Zac Martucelli
of performance and physically complex maneuvers. He began to pursue his goal almost instantly.
Impending dread of the imminent work week can effectively diminish anyone’s weekend spirits. But Anthony Hoang looks forward to his work week. From his humble roots as a circus clown, Hoang has become one of the stunt industry’s most prolific and determined rising stars.
“When I got home from the circus, I started street performing in Boston; I started saving up just to buy a plane ticket to go out west to train with some people,” Hoang said. “I just got lucky and bumped into the right people who took me under their wing and started training me.”
Hoang is an actor, performer and stuntman specializing in skilled driving, martial arts and working with fire. His eclectic range spans from student films to Hollywood blockbusters, working on sets with the likes of Adam Sandler and Jeff Bridges. His uncanny knack for performance and subsequent meteoric rise came through an unlikely circumstance. Born and raised in Worcester, Hoang was a shy high school student. He favored gadgets and technology, often finding himself behind the soundboard instead of on the stage. “For stage productions, I was the one running the sound and the lights,” said Hoang. “Then, one day, they were short on people auditioning for a Shakespeare play and I was like, ‘Alright, I’m going to try it out.’” After receiving much praise for his performance, Hoang had found his calling. Yet, he did not follow this path immediately. Attending Worcester State University following high school, Hoang was a reluctant business major. “I had trouble focusing in class. I would gaze out the window and be like, ‘I just want to perform; what should I do?’” Desperate for a way out of his situation, Hoang turned to the circus. While working as a clown for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Hoang was exposed to various forms of training; from juggling and acrobatics to crowd control, he cites the circus as an essential learning opportunity. “As a clown, you cross-train and everything,”
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From performing in Shakespearean plays and answering the call of the circus to standing on a Hollywood movie set about to be set on fire, Hoang said that there is so much going through his mind, but, above all else, the most important thing to think of is “What is the task at hand?”
Hoang said. “We’re not only there for comic relief, we’re there in case the trapeze gets stuck or a lion escapes or something; we’re there to distract the crowd.” Sometimes, distracting the crowd means “pulling every trick in the bag, any circus art you can think of.” This jack-of-all-trades mentality helped Hoang transition fluidly into stunt work. As for his actual breakthrough into the stunt world, Hoang likes to say that he “fell into it.” Puns aside, this is an apt description of how he found work through a mix of perseverance and a bit of luck. Worried about his future after Ringling, Hoang began asking older clowns who had since left the show for advice. He found his answer in friend and former clown, Jimmy Graham. “Most of us either became birthday party clowns or stuntmen,” Graham told Hoang. “Think about it: During the show, you do falls on the concrete, you do stair falls, you cross-train on all these things. These are all the qualities of a stuntman.” Intrigued and a bit skeptical, Hoang began to think seriously about this option and ultimately decided that it was the job for him – a perfect combination
According to Hoang, being able to focus and control adrenaline are the most important characteristics of a successful stuntman. This, of course, can be extremely difficult when faced with dangerous and unstable factors like flames or a multiple-story fall. Hoang, however, deals with such stress by juggling in between stunts to maintain focus and clear his head. Being in such an unpredictable professional environment will inevitably yield physical risks, as well. Hoang is lucky to have never been severely injured, but he says he sticks to a strict training regime, which involves five different gyms and a daily four- to six-hour time commitment, to keep his body in peak, stunt-ready form. Today, Hoang is busier than ever, perfecting his favorite stunt – driving – for the upcoming summer blockbuster Ghostbusters and polishing up his fighting techniques, all while enthusiastically exploring the a broad range of work offers. As for what’s next for this multi-talented stuntman, Hoang hopes to one day become a stunt coordinator and hire an up-and-coming stuntman like himself and giving this advice: “This is your first job. Be proud.”
netflixjunkiE: Get your drink mixed with Netflix
By Jennifer Russo Since this is our bartenders issue, I thought I would continue the theme and focus on movies and shows that have some alcohol content. (See what I did there?) So get out that shaker, make your favorite libation and pull up a recliner. I am even including a drink-pairing suggestion for each one, so come join the party!
Beer-ready films It all begins with Animal House for those of you who prefer beer in their glass … or funnel. This classic comedy flick brings every stereotype about fraternities to the forefront and is some of John Belushi’s best work. With the dean and the snobby frat on one side and the rowdy Delta Taus on the other, it’s lewd and crude comedy at its finest. Drinking Buddies gives us brewery co-workers in Chicago who are in separate relationships but clearly have a thing for each other. They spend a weekend together with their significant others. Where some movies have love triangles, this one has more of a love pentagon. Other beer-related things to watch: Road Trip: Beer Pong, Beerfest and the entire series of Cheers. Pair these movies with Sam Adams Alpine Spring – or for a true college feel, a pitcher of PBR or Coors Light
Movies and wine For wine-snobs, A Good Year, starring Russell Crowe as a hard-as-nails businessman who inherits a vineyard, is a nice romantic drama. For a more educational experience, the docu-series Uncorked follows six aspiring master sommeliers as they prep for the exam for the title. Pair these movies with Kendall Jackson Grand Reserve Cabernet or Cupcake Vineyards Riesling
Flicks and cocktails To watch something that is simply about bartending (or has some really great bar scenes), start with favorites Cocktail, starring Tom Cruise as a show-boating bartender working for tips in order to pay for his degree, and Road House, starring Patrick Swayze as a bouncer in a rowdy southern bar. Coyote Ugly is a movie about an aspiring singer who detours from the road to super-stardom by taking a bartending gig, and Hey Bartender is a documentary that follows two bartenders, one a former Marine and one a former bank exec. The Simpsons is also deserving of an honorable mention, because Moe might be one of the best bartenders in television history. Before watching these films, mix equal parts Crown Royal and Amaretto in a shaker with ice and a splash of pineapple juice. Shake, pour and add a cherry. You’re welcome.
April 2016 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 15
Mike Kelly steps out on his own with
The Brother Stereo By Jason Savio Mike Kelly is facing his fear. After having spent his entire music career playing in ensemble pieces, the Leominster native is answering his call and making the great leap to being a solo artist. The daunting and unknown prospect of putting yourself out there can indeed be nerve-racking, but Mike Kelly is ready. Under the moniker The Brother Stereo, Kelly’s first solo album, Sweet of the Fall, is the result of years of learning the craft of writing and performing music, continuing on a family tradition that includes his father, drummer in the ’60s band Pugsley Munion, and his brother Matt, who is the drummer for the Dropkick Murphys. “I have always been around music, whether it was one of my father’s gigs, my brother’s band practices at home in our basement or just the radio on Sunday mornings playing jazz,” Kelly said. Although he isn’t a drummer like his father or brother, Kelly has stayed in the rhythm section with his bass guitar, playing gigs and performing in countless bands, including his own original group Trebek. But to say that he is only a bass player would be like saying the only thing Keith Richards has ever smoked is a cigarette. Kelly is a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to music. Besides bass, Kelly has been known to play everything from the banjo to the bouzouki. He attributes his love of variety to “texture, songwriting and the unknown.” After building up his chops and playing with numerous groups, Kelly decided to put it all together into his solo debut, something he had been waiting to do for a long time.
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“I made the decision to put out my first solo album because it is something I always knew I wanted to do, but it was a fear of mine,” he said. “I have found that conquering your fears gets you a lot further in life, so I said to myself, ‘Get this first album out there, get feedback, apply, move on.’” Kelly’s courage to overcome his fear has led to The Brother Stereo’s Sweet of the Fall, a rustic collection of pop songs with a twang and sometimes-heavy heart. “I think that Mike didn’t want the parts to sound overrehearsed and stiff, so we took first, second and third takes of all of the piano and accordion parts,” said Joey Mazzarella, who performed on the album. “I do think things come out much better when parts are not over-rehearsed. It makes the music sound more natural.” Currently, Kelly is booking gigs with Mazzarella backing him, as well as background vocalist and percussionist Santino Proiettie. Dates include the Westender in Marlborough on April 16. With The Brother Stereo’s first effort out of the way, don’t be surprised to hear more from Kelly again very soon. He is already looking forward to mining more out of his songbook for his next project. “I already have a bunch more finished and unfinished songs for a second album,” he said. “My plan is to write, record and release as many albums as I can in my lifetime.” For more information, visit thebrotherstereo.com.
gameon: Legos Assemble – The Avengers have arrived
By Jason Savio Like a supervillain hell-bent on world domination, Lego has systematically “bricked” every
popular movie franchise under the sun. Whether it’s Jurassic World, Star Wars or The Avengers, all have been shrunk to Lego lengths. This comes with its pros and cons, most of which have to do with the repetition of the same formula simply applied to different titles. The latest title in question is Lego Marvel’s Avengers.
This isn’t the first time members of the Avengers have been featured in a Lego video game (see Lego Marvel Super Heroes), but it is the first time all have been assembled together in their own titular game. Just like in the beginning of Age of Ultron, Lego Marvel’s Avengers opens with the
team of super heroes closing in on the Hydra hideout, albeit with their own Lego charm (cue the random farm animal thrown by Thor). That fan-favorite, slow-motion shot of the team flying in the air in unison is also included for good measure. The effort to retain all of the cinematic thrills and grandeur of the movie is a common and welcomed aspect of the game.
But the gameplay is what fans of these comic characters will appreciate the most. Since this is
an Avengers-focused game, the player is given the opportunity to play as each hero, sometimes freely switching between different characters in separate spots during the same battle. Not only
is this a catalyst for non-stop action, it also keeps the player from getting bored. Had enough of fighting Hydra goons as Captain America on land? Don’t fret, just switch over to Iron Man
and fly around as you shoot lasers at airborne enemies. Each character also has a unique ability needed to complete every mission. Hulk, for example, is able to plow through buildings that need
his renovating touch. Collecting all of those scattered coins is much easier with Hulk’s massive frame, too.
But some of this will sound very familiar, and that’s the main drawback of Lego Marvel’s Avengers. The same basic approach of the previously mentioned Lego games is applied here again. While it works and is indeed fun, it also begs the question: Is it getting old? Is Lego and developer
TT Games resting on their collective laurels and continuously hashing out the same game with different characters? At times, this seems to be the case, but it’s so easy to get caught up in the
detail that goes into the games’ presentation that you forget that it’s the same game you bought a
couple months before, minus the cape. That’s not to say Lego Marvel’s Avengers is bad. Fans of the comics and movies alike will love it. But at some point, Lego and TT Games will have to mix it up before players start to grow tired of always playing the same game.
For more information, visit lego.com/en-us/marvelsuperheroes/marvels-avengers.
April 2016 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 17
Events happening around Central Mass – April 2016
Worcester Music Awards Pulse will take over Jillian’s to host the annual Worcester Music Awards on April 13. Through a crowd-sourced nomination process, favorite local artists, radio stations and venues will be awarded the title of Worcester’s best. The night will offer performances by local bands, T-shirts, giveaways, a photo booth and more. Come out to enjoy and support the local music scene. Free; 18+ to enter; 7 p.m. April 13; Jillian’s, 315 Grove St., Worcester; visit the event page on Facebook.
New England Metal and Hardcore Festival Indulge in the head-banging, guitar-shredding music of Worcester’s 18th annual New England Metal and Hardcore Festival at The Palladium. Bear witness to the brutal melodies of bands such as Killswitch Engage and Memphis May Fire. The intense sounds of nearly 40 metal and hardcore bands will posses you during this two-day festival. $30 in advance for Friday, $35 for Saturday; doors open at 3 p.m. Friday, April 15, and 1 p.m. Saturday, April 16; The Palladium, 261 Main St., Worcester; thepalladium.net.
REC Earth Day Cleanups Join the Regional Environmental Council for its 27th annual Earth Day cleanup around the city of Worcester. Help commemorate Earth Day and show appreciation for your world by volunteering to clean your community with your community. Come together with neighbors and friends to clean a record number of city streets, neighborhoods and parks. 8 a.m.-noon April 9; around the city of Worcester; volunteer at recworcester.org.
Craft Brew Races What better way to celebrate running (or walking) a fun 5K race than with an amazing craft beer event at Worcester Commons? Enjoy a relaxed run followed by a tasting of outstanding local and regional craft beers. This will make for an afternoon you won’t want to miss, and hopefully, one you will remember. Prices vary, must be 21+; noon-4 p.m. April 30; Worcester Common, corner of Front and Commercial streets; craftbrewraces.com.
ACE Spring Festival Head over to the African Community Education Spring Festival for drumming with Crocodile River Music, dances performed by ACE students, student speakers, a dinner of African cuisine and more. This is a great chance to immerse yourself in different African cultures! Free; 3-6 p.m. April 16; Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 24 Mulberry St., Worcester; visit the Facebook event page for details.
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pulsebooks: Celebrate spring with books about a fresh start
By Kimberly Dunbar Spring is all about regrowth and fresh starts. In honor of this season and all that it represents, here are two new books about growing up and moving on.
Debbie Macomber’s A Girl’s Guide to Moving On (Ballantine Books)
Macomber’s latest book is chick lit at its finest. Betrayal, heartbreak, friendship and love – this is a heartwarming tale of reinvention and female empowerment. After finding out her husband of five years has been cheating on her, Nichole leaves Jake to start a new life with their 3-yearold son, Owen. Her mother-in-law, Leanne, who has endured decades of her own husband’s infidelity, decides to follow suit and divorce Jake’s father. Nichole and Leanne decide to move on together; they rent apartments across the hall from each other and lay down four simple rules to guide their new lives: volunteering, cultivating new friendships, letting go and loving themselves. While adjusting to her new surroundings, Nichole meets Rocco, a rough-around-the-edges towtruck driver who is also a single parent. The two develop a friendship that quickly blossoms into something more, but Nichole’s jealous ex-husband has other plans. Meanwhile, Leanne is expanding her own horizons. As the teacher of an ESL class, she meets Nikolai, a Ukrainian baker who shows Leanne she is worthy of love. Just as she begins to open herself up to Nikolai, her ex-husband disrupts her new life. Though chick lit can sometimes be predictable, Macomber’s book keeps the reader engaged. Many women will relate to sweet bond between Nichole and Leanne and the situations in which they find themselves. I wouldn’t be surprised if A Girl’s Guide to Moving On is Macomber’s next book to be turned into a Hallmark movie.
Kerry Anne King’s Closer Home (Lake Union Publishing)
After country star Callie Redfern is killed during a publicity stunt, her estranged sister’s life is turned upside down. Though Lise Redding hasn’t spoken to her sister in 10 years (the media think Callie’s entire family died in a car accident years ago), she is left Callie’s entire fortune and guardianship of her 16-year-old daughter, Ariel. Lise, a music teacher living a quiet life in a small town, is immediately overwhelmed with her newfound responsibilities and celebrity. Feeling alone in the world, Ariel, who is used to very little parental supervision, decides to set off on an adventure to find her biological father, a secret her mother would tell no one, not even Lise, when she became pregnant at age16. Unable to stop her niece from going and unsure how to deal with her sister’s estate and all that comes with it, Lise decides to accompany Ariel on her journey. Thanks to the paparazzi, neither Ariel nor Lise can escape what they are really running from. As they attempt to uncover Callie’s secrets, both Lise and Ariel soon find that with every step, they are able to let go of the past and find their way closer home.
April 2016 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 19
Club, Pub + GRUB Listings
Entertainme nt at clubs, bars, pubs & other select venues 435 Bar & Grill 435 Lancaster St., Leominster American Graffiti 113 Summer St., Lunenburg 978-345-1010 B-Man’s 140 Tavern 348 Redemption Rock Trail, Sterling 978-422-9763 The Banner Bar & Grille 112 Green St., Worc. 508-755-0879 Barber’s Crossing Road House 861 Main St., Leicester 508-892-7575 Barbers Crossing (North) 175 Leominster Road, Sterling 978-422-8438 Thursdays: Open Mic Fridays: Bill McCarthy Beatnik’s 433 Park Ave., Worc. 508-926-8877 Tuesdays: Chillin Tuesday Wednesdays: Wild Wednesday April 3: Stan Matthews & Guests, CD release party April 7: The Littlest Giant April 8: The Daybreakers April 9: Saturday Tea Dance with DJ Dance Away Sound April 9: Wooing Dorothy April 10: Matt Broduer Trio April 14: Amazing Dicks Ukulele Night April 15: Way Up South & Grin Whistle April 16: The Road Owls April 21: Keith McLinden April 22: Box of Rain April 23: Bees Deluxe April 24: Fellowship Of The King April 28: The Acquaintances April 29: Truth Squared April 30: Secret Sage Billy’s Pub 81 Clinton St., Shrewsbury 508-425-3353 April 9: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Black Sheep Tavern 261 Leominster Road, Sterling 978-422-8484 Blackstone Tap 81 Water St., Worc. 508-797-4827 Tuesdays: Stump! Team Trivia Blue Plate Lounge 661 Main St., Holden 508-829-4566 Thursdays: Open Mic Night Blueprint New American Bar & Grill 9 Village Square, Westminster 978-668-5580 April 7: Scott Babineau April 8: Dave Harrington April 9: Ken Macy April 14: Dan Cormier April 15: A Fine Connection
April 16: Brett Casavant April 21: Joe Reidy April 22: Brian Chaffee April 23: Gale County April 28: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell April 29: Mikey Me & Brutha B April 30: Michael Spaulding Bolton Street Tavern 587 Bolton St., Marlborough 508-485-4416
508-304-6044 Apr 8: Ken Macy Apr 15: Sam James Apr 22: Jim Devlin Apr 29: Tim Scott Cosmopolitan Club 96 Hamilton St., Worc. 508-752-0482
Bull Run Restaurant 215 Great Road, Shirley 978-425-4311, 877-536-7190
The Cove Music Hall 89 Green St., Worc. 508-363-1888 April 6: Subterra, Ellissentials April 7: Shay’s Rebellion, Secrect Evil Plan, Max Garcia Conover April 8: A Devil in God’s Country (Lamb of God tribute) April 9: The Mid-night Ramblers April 13: Subterra, Sonic Bee April 14: GLOWBOX, Huxster, The Addis Revolution April 15: Slip-Not (Slipknot tribute) April 16: The Flock’s 10-year anniversary
Cafe Destare 320 Main St., Fitchburg 978-345-5734
Dance Ranch & Saloon 70 James St., Worc. 508-757-6977
Canal Restaurant & Bar 65 Water St., Worc. 508-926-8353 Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays: DJ (21+) April 15: Amanda Cote April 15: Lisa Marie April 16: Alias Draleaus April 22: Mychael David April 23: Jim Perry Acoustics April 30: Bob Moon
Days End Tavern 287 Main St., Oxford 508-987-1006
Breakaway Billiards 104 Sterling St., Clinton 978-365-6105 Brew City 104 Shrewsbury St., Worc. 508-752-3862
Chopstick’s Restaurant & Lounge 21 Commercial Road, Leominster 978-534-0020 Christopher’s Pub 7 Pleasant St., Leominster 978-534-8250 Cicero’s Cafe 17 Suffolk St., Worc. 508-767-9728 Classic’s Pub 285 Central St., Leominster 978-537-7750 Sundays, Wednesdays, Thursdays: Karaoke with Royal Crown April 9: Madison Avenue April 16: Soundtrack to Monday April 23: Go Gadget Go April 30: Bad Reputation Club KasBar 234 Southwest Cutoff, Worc. 508-798-8385 April 23: Auntie Trainwreck The Columbia Tavern 28 Manning Ave., Leominster 978-751-8962 April 7: Heathe Ralston & Chris Terp April 8: Bruce Jacques April 14: Sean Daley April 28: Corey Bazillion Compass Tavern 90 Harding St., Worc.
20 THEPULSEMAG.COM | April 2016
Devens Grill 4 Ryans Way, Devens 978-862-0060 Electric Haze 26 Millbury St, Worc. 508-799-0629 April 4: Disc Jam’s Battle of the Bands – Too Much Too Fast, Nark, Eggy, Sofus April 6: After Funk, Moxa April 7: Cabinet April 8: Ryan Montbleau Band April 13: Big Bad Wolf April 14: Mizz Kitsune April 20: Bob Marley 420 party April 21: RAQ April 22: Don’t Let Go ( Jerry Garcia Band tribute) April 28: Night Club, Vowws, Lovewhip April 29: William Thompson Funk Experiment, Teddy Midnight, 3 Piece Meal April 30: CBGB Tribute Night Fiddlers’ Green Pub & Restaurant 19 Temple St., Worc. 508-792-3700 April 22: P.E. James Firefly’s / Dante’s 350 E. Main St., Marlborough 508-357-8883 Flip Flops 680 Main St., Holden 508-829-3008 April 15: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Flying Rhino Cafe 278 Shrewsbury St., Worc. 508-757-1450 Funky Murphy’s Bar & Grill 305 Shrewsbury St., Worc.
508-753-2995 Gardner Ale House 74 Parker St., Gardner 978-669-0122 Mondays: Blue Mondays Thursdays: Audio Wasabi The GazBar Sports Grill 1045 Central St., Leominster April 23: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell GD Lounge Union Station, 2 Washington Square, Worc. (508) 755-6555 April 8: DJ Hope & DJ Frost April 15: DJ Kid Kash & DJ Eegs April 22: DJ Dre & DJ Frost April 29: DJ Artbeat Greendale’s Pub 404 W. Boylston St., Worc. 508-853-1350 Tuesdays: Open Mic with Bill McCarthy April 3: Mikey Lynch’s Sunday Jam with Lisa Marie April 8: Auntie Trainwreck April 10: Mikey Lynch’s Sunday Jam with Ed Peabody and Johnny Press April 15: Ed Sullivans April 16: Silverbacks April 17: Mikey Lynch’s Sunday Jam with Steve ‘Wilbur’ Going and Mike Gianfriddo April 22: Tony Soul Project April 23: No Alibi April 24: Mikey Lynch’s Sunday Jam with Jim Perry April 29: Clam Diggers April 30: 9Teen Halligan’s Sports Bar and More 889 Southbridge St., Auburn 508-832-6793 Happy Jack’s 785 North Main St., Leominster 978-466-3433 April 8: Heather Ralston April 15: Scott Babineau April 16: Brother Stereo April 22: Topher Brew April 23: Lizzy Marquis April 29: Jay Graham April 30: Kevin Shields Hotel Vernon - The Ship Room/Kelley Square Yacht Club 1 Millbury St., Worc. Indian Ranch 200 Gore Road, Webster 508-943-3871 Industry Bar Room 109 Water St., Worc. 508-756-2100 Thursdays: College Night with DJ XTC & DJ Scotty P JC Fenwick’s 37 Mechanic St., Leominster 978-840-4845 Jillian’s - Worcester 315 Grove St., Worc. 508-793-0900
Continued on Page 23
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Continued from Page 20 April 8: Metro April 9: PPV Fight – Paqauiao vs Bradley April 13: Worcester Music Awards sponsored by Pulse Magazine April 15: Neon Alley April 16: Decades by Dezyne April 22: Tequila Bonfire April 23: UFC 197 – Cormier vs Jones April 29: How Bizarre April 30: Wilbur & The Dukes JJ’s Sports Bar and Grill 380 Southwest Cutoff, Northborough 508-842-8420 Legends Airport Road, Fitchburg 978-342-6500 Leitrim’s Pub 265 Park Ave., Worc. 508-798-2447 Loft 266 Bar & Lounge 266 Park Ave., Worc. 508-796-5177 April 6: Jim Devlin London Billiards / Club Oasis 70 James St., Worc. 508-799-7655 Mahoney’s Pub 413 Park Ave., Worc. 508-277-1073 Marty’s Pub 225 Cantebury St., Worc. 508-754-0033 MB Lounge 40 Grafton St., Worc. 508-799-4521 McNally’s Grille & Pub 88 Sargent Road, Westminster 978-874-1444 April 8: Dan Cormier April 15: Sean Fullerton April 22: Tim Rollo April 29: Brett Casavant Michael’s Cigar Bar 1 Exchange Place, Worc. 508-459-9035 April 6: Hot Smoke Trio April 7: Jim Devlin April 8: Blue Light Bandits April 9: Hot Letter April 13: Brett Brumby April 14: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell April 15: Andy Cummings & Swingabilly Lounge April 16: Hit the Bus April 20: Mike Melendez April 22: The Brumbletones April 23: Russo Bros Jazz Quintet April 27: Ricky Duran April 29: Neon Alley April 30: Abraxas
April 30: Sam James Mill Street Brews (@ The Artist Development Complex) 18 Mill St., Southbridge 508-764-6900 Moynihan’s Pub 897 Main St., Worc. The Muse 536 Main St., Worc. 508-756-6873 Nick’s Bar and Restaurant 124 Millbury St., Worc. 508-753-4030 Fridays: Thank Friday It’s Dr. Nat April 3: The Hangover Hour Spoken Word Salon – Howard Zinn performed by Alex Charalambides April 17: The Hangover Hour Spoken Word Salon – Lucille Clifton as read by Rushelle Frazier The Nines Neighborhood Bar 136 Millbury St., Worc. 508-340-0318 Olde Post Office Pub 1 Ray St., N. Grafton 508-839-6106 April 8: Josh Briggs & The Cantina Band On The Rocks Sports Bar & Grill 96 Lakefront Ave., Lunenburg 978-342-6692 Oxford Tavern 314 Main St., Oxford 508-987-5397 Padavano’s Place 358 Shrewsbury St., Worc. 774-823-3022 Thursdays: DJ/Karaoke with DJ Bruce April 6: Hot Dish - Acoustic Rock April 8: The Mystics April 9: The Babe Pino Band April 10: Giuliano D’Orazio April 16: The Allston Police April 17: Sean Fullerton April 22: Take Two April 23: The Norm Tonelli Trio April 24: The Dale LePage Trio April 29: A Ton of Blues April 30: My Better Half Paisanos Pizza & Spirits 450 Lancaster St., Leominster 978-534-7117 The Palladium 261 Main St., Worc. 508-797-9696 Park Grill and Spirits 257 Park Ave., Worc. Fridays: Dick Doherty’s Beantown Comedy Escape April 22: The Drunken Uncles
Mickey Sheas 324 Electric Ave., Lunenburg 978-342-5825
Partner’s Pub 970 South St., Fitchburg 978-345-5051
The Mill 185 185 W. Boylston St., W. Boylston 774-261-8585 themill185.com April 8: Jay Graham April 9: James Keyes April 15: Chad Clements April 16: UK Beat April 22: Jodee & Brian April 23: Belit April 29: Chris Reddy
Patsie Dugan’s 49 Millbury St., Worc. 508-755-4155
Speakers Night Club 19 Weed St., Marlborough 508-480-8222 Saturdays: Live bands
Point Breeze On the Lake 114 Point Breeze Road, Webster 508-943-0404 Press Box 536 Lincoln St., Worc. 508-856-9255 Ralph’s Chadwick Square Diner 148 Grove St., Worc. 508-753-9543 Mondays: Dirty Gerund Poetry Show April 22: Wormtown Rock Revue The Raven 258 Pleasant St., Worc. 508-304-8133 Wednesdays: Open Mic April 23: Wicked Pissa Promotions inaugural show Red Onion - Otter River Hotel 29 Main St., Baldwinville 978-939-7373, 978-939-8321 Rumors 371 Park Ave., Worc. 508-755-5542 Rye & Thyme 14 Monument Square, Leominster 978-534-5900 April 7: Jon Short April 8: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell April 9: Lyle Pierce April 10: Zack Slik Brunch April 14: Sean Fullerton April 15: Zack Slik April 16: Brian & Captain April 21: Jay Graham April 22: The Two Timers April 23: Whitney Doucette April 24: Jon Short Brunch April 28: Dan Cormier April 29: Retro Stew April 30: Invisible Sun (The Police tribute) Sakura Tokyo 640 Park Ave., Worc. 508-792-1078, 508-792-1068
Stagecoach Inn and Tavern 128 Main St., Groton 978-448-5614, 877-782-4346 Sunset Tiki Bar/The Outlook 79 Powers Road, Westford 978-692-5700 The Tavern on Central 3 Central St., Ashburnham 978-827-1272 April 8: Neon Alley April 9: Kevin Shields April 15: Maverick St Band April 16: Max Recoil April 22: Honkey Tonk Hangover April 23: Scott Babineau April 29: Freestone Band April 30: Brother Maynard Three G’s Sports Bar 152 Millbury St., Worc. 508-754-3516 April 9: The Cody Bondra Band Union Tavern 65 Green St., Worc. Upper Deck Sports Bar & Grille 377 Stetson Road, Barre 978-355-2224 Victory Bar & Cigar 56 Shrewsbury St., Worc. 508-756-4747 Vincent’s Bar 49 Suffolk St., Worc. 508-752-9439 Sundays: Big Jon Short Whiskey Hookah Lounge 316 Main St., Worc.
Sean Patrick’s Family Restaurant 494 Electric Ave., Lunenburg 888-824-3924, 978-345-2000 South Side Grille & Margarita Factory 242 W. Broadway, Gardner 978-632-1057 April 8: City Boys April 9: Guru of Blues April 15: Kevin Shields April 16: Backseat Zero April 22: Scott Babineau April 23: Goldrush April 29: Sean Fullerton April 30: Whitney Doucette
Spruce Street Tavern 68 Spruce St., Clinton 978-368-1255
Whiskey on Water 97 Water St., Worc. 774-578-8829 Whistle Stop Bar & Grill 85 Main St., Oxford 508-987-3087 William’s Restaurant & Tavern 184 Pearson Blvd., Gardner 978-632-7794 April 15: Dan Kirouac, Glenn Jackson Wonder Bar Restaurant 121 Shrewsbury St., Worc.
Perfect Game Sports Grill and Lounge 64 Water St., Worc. 508-792-4263 Pho Dakao 593 Park Ave., Worc. 508-756-7555
April 2016 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 23
By Justin Perry
j i llia n ’s – w or ce s t e r
D o w n to w n underg round: sp eak ea sy – wor c ester
mezc a l ca n t in a – w or ce s t e r
24 THEPULSEMAG.COM | April 2016
p erfect gam e – wor c ester
parkway restaurant & bar – worcester
st. patrick’s day parade – worcester
c ompa ss taver n – w or ce s t e r
April 2016 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 25
l i f e s t y l e
Worcester Game Pile creates community, opportunity By Zac Marucelli Video game developers and passionate video game enthusiasts of Central Massachusetts can finally find solace in a game development organization unique to the Worcester area. The Worcester Game Pile, a collaborative of game development studios in Central Massachusetts, seeks to encourage growth and camaraderie in the Massachusetts game industry while offering a haven for video game fanatics to indulge in their love of all things gaming. The Worcester Game Pile, affectionately known as the Woo! Game Pile, was founded by three former Becker College students – Nick Mundry, Michael Flood and Jacob Peltola. The goal of this organization is simple: to create a Worcester-based community for local video game developers to thrive in while gaining valuable industry experience and exposure. As for the actual inspiration for the Worcester Game Pile, Flood said it was a matter of convenience more than anything else. “We went to Boston meetups all the time for a lot of events, and traveling from Worcester can be annoying. So we were like, ‘It’d be really cool if they had something like this in the area.’” Sharing a joint passion for video games and game development, the three former students of video game design sought out the means to build a similar community in Worcester. Having founded the game development club at Becker, Flood and Peltola had a knack for community building. This sense of community is fostered through the various events that the Worcester Game Pile hosts every month. Notably, natural promotion of developers’ games through sharing and support yields an environment where people are comfortable and want to show off their projects. “It’s a very natural form of promotion,” said Flood. “It ends up building the community more and more.” Additionally, the founders stress the importance of having an all-inclusive organization. “It’s very open; there is no enrollment process; we don’t hire people; it’s not an interview thing,” said Flood. “All it takes is to show up.” These words resonate with the spirit of each Worcester Game Pile event. During what are called “lightning showcases,” developers are given 5-10 minutes to give an elevator pitch of their games. After, they are wholeheartedly encouraged to receive constructive feedback from fellow developers in attendance. The generosity of the Worcester Game Pile is felt every month, as turnouts for events range from 60-80 people, all eagerly awaiting the next video game presentation as they huddle into Worcester Game Pile headquarters, Running Start. In collaboration with Amherst’s Pioneer Valley Games, these Worcester meetups boast a local crowd, as well as an array of up and coming developers from Amherst and the surrounding area. Showcases are a vital part of the Worcester Game Pile’s mission, yet the group also hosts game demo nights and game jams that produce community feedback. These are opportunities for developers to show off their games, network and even make games in collaboration with other like-minded individuals. Overall, the emphasis is on teamwork and helping others make the best game possible. While Worcester may not be as large of a video game development hub as Boston, there is a bright future in store for the Central Massachusetts scene. “It’s definitely growing,” said Mundry. “With the way developers have been supported as a group and as a community, the growth is exponential.” For more information, visit gamepile.org.
26 THEPULSEMAG.COM | April 2016
OUT+ABOUT: LGBTQ+ events
By John Trobaugh People ask, “Why is there still a need to have LGBTQ+ themed events and organizations?” As an organizer, the question has come up with my work with Worcester Pride and discussions around a LGBTQ+ community center, but this time, it was in the context of helping organize a community-based TV show. In this age of “mainstreaming,” LGBTQ+ people and our allies want an easy way to see where there will be something targeted for us. Everyone, at least occasionally, wants to be in a place where he/she is not in the minority. NE Pride TV does this (virtually) and points to local events/venues where you can feel at home with strangers. For a similar reason, LGBTQ+ websites are still going strong and big sites like The Huffington Post have whole sections dedicated to LGBTQ+ issues. People in our community have come to the realization that everyone comes out at different ages. People come out for a variety of reasons, including the desire for others to know their true self. When they decide to come out, they want to be around others like themselves. Often, that desire occurs before they can even acknowledge it to themselves or others. See below for local groups and events where you can be around LGBTQ+ people!
Worcester Pride Organizational Meeting 6-8 p.m. April 5, 35 Harvard St., Worcester
Worcester Pride Team Meeting
6-8 p.m. April 19, Wyked Java, 108 Water St., Worcester, worcesterpride.org
Faithful In Today’s World – An LGBTQ Open House
7-9 p.m. Saturday, April 2, Congregational Church of Grafton, 30 Grafton Common, Grafton, uccgrafton.org/lgbtq-open-house
Night Out with Dance Around Sound (21+)
April 7, MB Lounge, 40 Grafton St., Worcester, mblounge.com
Girls Meet Girls! Speed Dating (21+)
April 14, MB Lounge, 40 Grafton St., Worcester, mblounge.com
MB Auction Memorabilia (21+)
April 19, MB Lounge, 40 Grafton St., Worcester, mblounge.com
Worcester Gay Professionals (18+) 6-8 p.m. April 13, Bocado, 82 Winter St., Worcester, In spite of the name of the group, LGBTQ+ and allies are welcome! MAMHC Annual Conference
8 a.m. April 14, College of the Holy Cross, 1 College St., Worcester, eldermentalhealth.org
AirSpray Queer Dance Party (21+)
10 p.m.-2 a.m. April 15, Electric Haze, 26 Milbury St., Worcester, facebook.com/ElectricHaze
Rainbow Readers Group (13-18) 6-8 p.m. April 15, Annie’s Book Stop, 65 James St., Worcester, rainbowreadersmass@gmail.com TDance! by Dance Away Sound (21+)
4-8 p.m. April 9, Beatnik’s, 435 Park Ave., Worcester, danceawaysound.com
Worcester Pride Art Show
1-5 p.m. April 24, Electric Haze, 26 Milbury St., Worcester, worcesterpride.org or worcesterpride@gmail.com
April 2016 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 27
The Luxe List: Spring travel helpers By Merilee Kern, The Luxe List Executive Editor
Whether you’re planning to travel for business or you intend to spend your spring sightseeing, hiking, soaking up the sun or tucked in a cushy hotel bed, binge-watching your favorite TV series, it’s safe to say the least pleasurable part of your journey will be getting to – and then home from – your vacation destination. Whether traversing by land, air or sea, here are a few spring travel enhancements that’ll make the experience of getting from point A to point B easier…or just more enjoyable.
Microsoft Surface Pro 4 Microsoft has outdone itself with the reinvented Surface Pro 4, which easily transitions from a tablet to a laptop, among many of its notable features that are perfect for travelers. With a sixth generation Intel Core processor, it is not only more powerful, it’s also quieter and runs cooler than ever before, thanks to the fanless design. In lieu of a mouse, this device comes with the Microsoft Surface Pen stylus for handwriting and precise movements. Forget your password? Not a problem! The Surface Pro 4 comes packed with Windows 10 features like Cortana and Windows Hello. The device will know when you’re using it while keeping your information more secure. At less than 2 pounds and with nine hours of battery life, the Surface Pro 4 is also easy to throw in a bag and go. $899, microsoft. com/surface.
Palette of Perfection This offers everything a woman needs for a complete make-up application in one perfectly organized, portable, convenient and elegant single palette. This compact set is packed with anti-aging formulas and talc-free treatment colors designed to create a beautiful face at any age. The kit, which is ideal for all skin types, includes blush, a translucent powder, concealer, eyeliner, eye shadows, lip color and lip gloss. $42.50, skinn.com.
JBL Everest Elite 700 Wireless Headphones With JBL Pro Audio sound, the Everest ELITE 700 wireless headphones deliver a dynamic acoustic experience that’ll enhance your audio while on the go. The carefully sculpted ear cushions provide supreme fit around the ears, maximizing comfort throughout the 15 hours of playtime this device delivers. Bluetooth 4.1 enables wireless connectivity while the headphones’ sound calibration technology allows you to calibrate sound based on the fit around the ear. In addition, new NXTGen Active Noise Cancelling Technology combines the immersive experience of noise-cancelling with the ability to control the amount of outside noise to let in. A free, downloadable My JBL Headphones App elevates personalization by allowing users to further customize headphone settings and features. A built-in microphone allows for easy call access. $299.95, jbl.com.
Trunki RideOn Suitcase for Kids Here’s a fun and functional carryon luggage option for kids. The Trunki Ride-On Suitcase is the ultimate traveling companion for globe-trotting tots since it allows kiddos to ride their luggage through the airport or train station. Designed to be used as hand luggage, kids can pack Trunki with all their favorite belongings while parents keep them in tow. Trunki has a spacious four-gallon capacity that’s well-suited for bringing an extra pair of clothes and a few toys on any trip. Trunki’s secure latches are easy for little fingers and ensure a child’s treasures stay safe on the way to their destination. The detachable strap allows kids to pull their case along or can be attached to both ends, in case parents need to carry Trunki in a mad dash for the gate. At home, Trunki is a kid-friendly storage bin. $49.99$54.99, trunki.com.
Travel Org Carry Case Here’s a fantastic and fashionable way to keep family passports and travel documents safe and orderly. The British-made, fine leather Travel Org is a stylish organizer that allows travelers to store and carry travel and other documents, small gadgets, writing utensils and more with ease, ensuring items are on hand and in good order when they’re needed. This carrying case is certainly practical, but it’s also a chic style statement. This handy travel accessory, available in orange, tan, navy and black, is comprised of one large zip wallet for currencies and keys, 15 document sleeves for tickets or other references and a compartment that can fit up to eight credit cards. $295, thetravelorg.com. The Luxe List Executive Editor Merilee Kern scours the luxury marketplace for exemplary travel experiences, extraordinary events and notable products and services. Submissions are accepted at TheLuxeList.com. Follow her on Twitter @ LuxeListEditor and Facebook at TheLuxeList.
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April 2016 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 29
F O O D & D R I N K
Greater Than your average bar By Kimberly Dunbar While walking down Main Street in Hudson, you might notice a shoe repair shop tucked between New City Microcreamery and Avidia Bank. Though the space did belong to an actual cobbler years ago, behind the curtain is Hudson’s newest jewel: < > (pronounced “Less Than Greater Than”), a speakeasy-inspired cocktail bar that takes classic drinks to a whole new level. “A few people have come to the window with shoes, banging on the door,” said Jason Kleinerman, one of the owners of Less Than Greater Than and New City Microcreamery. The actual entrance is located inside New City – flip the light switch in the back corner to gain entrance. Officially opened in late October, Less Than Greater Than is meant to be a celebration and homage to the era when cocktails came to be. According to Kleinerman, during Prohibition, people had to travel abroad, leading them to discover new liquors and drink combinations. “It’s a nod to the era, but we didn’t want it to be a gimmick,” he said. “It’s not like we’re walking around in flapper costumes. There’s a modern aesthetic going on.” Instead, Kleinerman and fellow owners Karim El-Gamal and Michael Kasseris let their drinks do the talking. “We wanted to do things the right way, produce the highest-quality cocktail we possibly could,” said Kleinerman. To do this, Less Than Greater Than makes many of the ingredients in house – like bitters and simple syrups – much like its sister joints, New City and Rail Trail Flatbread Co., do. Staff even makes the tonic, which, when combined with gin, makes the best G&T you’ve ever sipped. And each day, the staff hand carves large cubes from a block of ice to get the perfect base for their take on the classic Old Fashioned. “Large ice cubes are trendy but serve a purpose,” El-Gamal said. “The larger surface area of the cube keeps the integrity of the drink.” Though hand-carving is more painstaking and expensive than using regular ice, this is what sets Less Than Greater Than apart from the crowd. “We want to make the best drink, not one in the cheapest or fastest way,” said El-Gamal. “This is a craft; every step matters.” Well-made drinks are all part of the experience. There are no TVs in the 21+ bar, and although you might have to wait, you’re rewarded with seats in an uncrowded, relaxed atmosphere. The best entertainment comes from watching bartenders make drinks – whether from the menu or by special request – at the low bar. Patrons can also enjoy small plates made from locally sourced food. But the most unique thing about Less Than Greater Than is the Spirits & Creme section. “That is what drove all of this, the liquid nitrogen, alcohol, mixology approach,” said El-Gamal, adding that when the group snagged the town’s last liquor license, the idea was to put the bar somewhere in New City, but special restrictions forced them to think outside the box. “Very few people have the opportunity or access to liquid nitrogen in their bar. The -325 degree liquid nitrogen is so cold, it supersedes the lowest freezing point of alcohol, so it holds form. There’s no other Grasshopper like ours in the country.” This unique process and environment are what will make cocktail-lovers travel the extra mile to visit. “It was so important to have a friendly, welcoming place,” said El-Gamal. “At the end of the day, we have some very fancy liquors, but in a warm way. What’s going to bring you back is the quality of drinks. The way they’re made and the ingredients in them make them special.” Less Than Greater Than at 28 Main St., Hudson, is open Tuesday-Saturday at 5 p.m.
30 THEPULSEMAG.COM | April 2016
hotandnow: What’s hot and what’s happening now in the restaurant scene
By Paul Giorgio
Cupcakes across America.
Sweet in Worcester has been picked as one of the best cupcake restaurants in the country by Tripping.com. The vacation rental website selected one cupcake shop in each state, and Sweet was picked for Massachusetts. Should we expect a cranberry cupcake soon?
Blackstone Tap.
Always wanted to run your own kitchen? Blackstone Tap on Worcester’s Water Street is looking for someone to take over the kitchen and create a menu.
Menu madness. Worcester’s EVO has a new menu, which launched at the beginning of March. Evo has been open since 2008 and is co-owned by siblings Celeste and Al Maykel. Under award-winning Chef Al Maykel, Evo is serving some of the most innovative cuisine in the city.
Some pub news.
Our spies tell us that the old Baptist church on Worcester’s Summer Street is going to be converted into a brew pub. This is something the city hasn’t had since Irish Times closed. Since we are talking about brew pubs, we hear Charlton will be getting a brewery when the much acclaimed Tree House Brewing Company moves from Monson. Groundbreaking will take place this spring with an early 2017 opening date. The brewery was founded in 2011.
Just in time for Patriots Day.
The British Beer Company will open this month on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester. This small, locally owned chain is a welcome addition to Worcester’s Restaurant Row. The decor is very British, with the bar imported from across the pond.
This little piggy went to the Hangover Pub.
Green Street in Worcester is now home to the Hangover Pub, which will feature a bacon cure for what ails you. Nearly everything on The Hangover Pub’s dinner, brunch and even the cocktail menu comes with the house-cured bacon. The Hangover is slated to open the first week of April.
First came Jeff, now comes Frank.
Jeff ’s on Worcester’s Shrewsbury Street, which morphed into Rivalry’s before it closed a few months ago, now has new owners. The new name is Frank’s, and it’s owned by Frank Creighton and Perry Jano, both of Worcester. Frank’s is slated to be a comfortable lounge geared toward a 30-plus crowd. It will offer up live music and bar food.
Eating out in Shrewsbury. Lakeway Commons, on the site of the former Spag’s on Route 9 in Shrewsbury, has landed three new restaurants. They are Tavern on the Square; Sweet Pizza, a casual build-your-own-pie place; and Burton’s Grill.
West Side news.
We hear that Birkbeck’s over on Worcester’s Mill Street has closed its doors after about a year in business. This spot on the shore of Coes Pond should be a natural; it just needs a good restaurant operator. Joey’s was the last successful place at the site. Bierbeck’s got off to a fast start but died from what we hear was lack of attention by the management. We also hear that Shiraz on Park Avenue will be closing. This great Armenian restaurant with reasonable prices was a hit for almost two decades, but it was time for the owners to retire. We are told that the folks who own Livia’s Dish on Main Street purchased the building. No news yet about a move.
Banned in Boston, welcomed in the Woo. It looks like Chick-fil -A will open
soon on Worcester’s Gold Star Boulevard, at the corner of Millbrook Street in a space that once housed the Millbrook Diner. The chain is somewhat controversial; the founder is a right-wing evangelical who opposes marriage equality.
April 2016 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 31
dining review:
Pho bowl the way it’s meant to be – with plenty of flavor By Bernie Whitmore There are too many culinary cuisines to be able to easily answer the question, “What’s your favorite restaurant?” Once my mind starts branching through categories and formats, I soon conclude that, for me, there is no easy answer. You might as well ask me to name my favorite music genre. Case in point: A cuisine I too easily overlook is Vietnamese. And that’s a shame because it features fresh ingredients, rich flavors and a variety of herbs that just feel wholesome. Compared to Chinese, it seems less composed. But looks can be deceiving; the flavor profiles that go into simmering of the pho broth – a signature Vietnamese dish – are often very complex. I hadn’t been to the Webster Square end of Park Avenue in several months, so I was surprised to hear about a new Vietnamese restaurant, the Pho Bowl, and was eager to join a friend there for dinner. When we arrived, we found the large parking lot mostly abandoned. The cacophony of traffic in that busy intersection was muffled by water rushing over a ladder dam. First impressions ... Dam: intriguing. Empty parking lot: a wee bit ominous. But when we walked in, we were greeted so warmly by a couple employees that my concerns immediately vanished. The dining area is long and rectangular with rows of booths – a bit reminiscent of the Friendly’s it once was in a prior incarnation. Fear not! The Fishamajig karma is long gone, replaced by the sriracha rooster. For our inaugural visit, we decided to keep to the basics. That meant spring roll appetizers. Two to an order, we sampled the Spring Rolls with Grilled Pork and an order with Grilled Shrimp. They certainly tasted fresh, and their rice paper wrappers were damp and translucent. Our waitress had already stressed the kitchen’s insistence upon actually grilling in flavors to produce an honest char flavor. Packed with springy vermicelli and highlighted with mint leaves, the Pho Bowl’s Gỏi Cuốn were generous in size and served with a cup of peanut sauce. I prefer the spring roll form to the crispy, deep-fried variety; flavors are truer and lighter, more in keeping with the warmer months ahead.
simmering meat and bones and onions and spices. Eighteen varieties are offered at Pho Bowl; one fish, one vegan and one chicken. The rest are combinations of beef – steak and brisket – in varying degrees of doneness, as well as tendon and tripe. Tendon, I’ll admit, is not what I consider a choice cut of the cow. So I had our server explain. “We simmer the tendon for hours until it’s very tender,” she said. “It’s very popular with Vietnamese.” Intrigued, I ordered a medium-sized bowl of pho with welldone brisket and tendon. My friend ordered his with rare steak and brisket. The pho experience is more than mere bowls of soup, though. First, the table is set up with chopsticks, a ceramic soup spoon and a plate with garnishes: long stems of leafy Thai basil, sprigs of sawtooth coriander, wedges of fresh lime, slices of jalapeño peppers and a mound of thick juicy bean sprouts. On each table is a bottle of sriracha sauce, hot chili peppers chopped into a coarse paste and other sauces. Properly kitted out, within moments our steaming bowls of pho were presented. Topped with a scattering of chopped green onions, the light brown sauce had a golden tinge; you could see the swirl of noodles and slices of meat suspended below. I prepared mine with basil leaves, sprouts and lime juice. From the first spoonful, the broth was so delicious, and the ingredients so fresh, I felt as if it were good for the soul. Now armed with chopsticks, I sampled the brisket. Broad thin slices were tender and mild in flavor. Columnar chunks of tendon provided a soft textural contrast. They had taken on much of the flavor of the pho broth and had the consistency of firm gelatin. Would I order tendon again when I return to the Pho Bowl? Why not? It’s pure protein. As we proceeded through our bowls, we got more adventurous with the condiments – especially as we got to the tangle of rice noodles lurking at the bottom. I particularly enjoyed the chopped chili peppers. And when I finished my bowl, I realized, with surprise, my appetite was completely sated. And we had contemplated large bowls! So rather than asking, “What’s your favorite restaurant?” ask “What do you recommend for Vietnamese?” That’s a question I can answer in a snap. Pho Bowl.
As the name suggests, this is a kitchen focused squarely on pho (pronounced “fuh”; in the English, rice noodle soup). Acceptable pho requires a rich broth that comes from
p h o b o w l | 5 8 0 pa r k av e . | w o r c e s t e r | ( 5 0 8 ) 7 5 7 - 2 6 9 5 | p h o b o w l r e s ta u r a n t.c o m 32 THEPULSEMAG.COM | April 2016
pulsebrew: Girl Scout cookies and beer
By Kerry Cyganiewicz I have read a number of articles recently on pairing Girl Scout cookies with all sorts of beverages. I decided to support my local Girl Scouts and purchase a box each of five varieties of cookies. Then, I paired them with beers brewed within driving distance. I have to admit this went better than I imagined. Keep in mind, I did have some help, as this was a lot of cookies and a lot of beer. I recommend that you do the same. Here are the five that stood out to me. Cheers!
Samoas / Ipswich Oatmeal Stout
These chocolate-drizzled coconut treats have two common ingredients in adjunct stouts and porters. I tried a few beers with coconut, and they just did not pair well, as one seemed to overpower the other. I even tried some brews with vanilla or coffee flavors. What seemed to work best is a good basic porter or stout with no additional flavorings. I found the Ipswich Oatmeal Stout was an excellent match. The oatmeal used in the mash creates a full, creamy mouthfeel, and the muted chocolate and coffee flavors from the malts cut through the sweet and fatty coconut.
Tagalongs / Jack’s Abby PB&J Framinghammer
These chocolate-covered cookies also go by the name of Peanut Butter Patties, which is just plain wrong. Patties belong on the grill. That aside, I found a match for these in an unexpected place. I assumed that Jack’s Abby PB&J Framinghammer would match well with a plainer cookie. Wow, was I wrong! This was decadent in every way imaginable. This Baltic porter took the chocolate and peanut butter from the cookie and extended the peanut butter flavor, adding a fruity jam element and finishing with a slightly bittersweet, coffee-like finish. Imagine taking a tagalong, dipping it into your favorite jam and chasing it with a shot of espresso. As good as that sounds, this cookie/beer combo is better.
Trefoils / Lefty’s Brewing Bean’s Brew Imperial Stout
This is the plainer cookie I was talking about. It’s an excellent shortbread with butter as its main taste. It’s just begging for a cup of coffee to be dunked into. One of my favorite coffee stouts is Lefty’s Brewing Bean’s Brew Imperial Stout. This was a near-perfect pairing, as the cookie brought out the coffee flavors in the stout, and the stout let the buttery goodness of the cookie shine through. One after the other, they danced perfectly until both the bottle and box of cookies were gone. This was the clear favorite of the group.
Do-Si-Dos / Mayflower Porter
These are also known as Peanut Butter Sandwiches. Unless there is ice cream involved, a sandwich needs bread. These tend to be a little on the dry side, and the peanut flavors are strong, so it is nearly impossible to pair with a nut-flavored beer. I’d recommend a beer a little light on the alcohol, as you will be drinking a lot to balance the dryness of the cookie, along with a touch of coffee or chocolate to accompany the peanut flavor. Mayflower Brewing Company puts out a nearly perfect English-style porter. There is a beautiful bouquet of toffee, chocolate, coffee, and as it warms, dates. It accompanies this cookie extremely well. At 5.5% ABV, you don’t have to worry about having an entire 12-ounce bottle.
Thin Mints / Clown Shoes Breakfast Exorcism
I think the Thin Mint is easily the Girl Scout cookie with the most concentrated flavor. To cut through the flavors, you need a stout that can keep up with the strong chocolate and mint going on here. However, the beer cannot have a chocolate or mint flavor, as the cookie will just overpower it. Clown Shoes makes a number of excellent barrel-aged imperial stouts. I chose Breakfast Exorcism, which is aged on espresso beans in bourbon barrels, but any of the bourbon barrel offerings would work. The smooth mouthfeel washes away the minty chocolate, leaving a roasty bitterness that eagerly awaits the next burst of chocolate and mint. Alternating between the two was like taking a ride on a teeter totter, but don’t ride too long. At 11% ABV, you will quickly find yourself face down on the playground.
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sports & fitness
Initiative puts the public On Guard By Zac Marucelli The plight of correction officers is a regrettably underexposed area of knowledge for so many people. Psychological turmoil and personal struggle are seldom synonymous with the brave members of this profession. However, thanks to Northbridge natives, Bryanna Mellen and Julie Broderick, the secret troubles of correction officers no longer need to be shrouded in mystery. Spearheaded by Mellen and Broderick’s On Guard Initiative, the public is slowly letting correction officers know they are not alone. The On Guard Initiative is a Central Massachusetts nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of mental health and suicide prevention among correction officers. Mellen, now 23, and Broderick, 24, founded the On Guard Initiative after the death of Mellen’s father who, after serving as a Massachusetts correction officer for 22 years, took his own life on Aug. 25, 2011. “There is no awareness about what correction officers actually do,” Mellen said. “People think about police officers and firefighters and all that; correction officers are kind of the forgotten branch of law enforcement.” Determined to bring awareness to a personal cause that was slipping under people’s radar, Mellen and Broderick began to brainstorm. “After I had done some research about correction officers and their mental health and suicide, Julie and I came up with an idea,” Mellen said. “We decided to organize a 5k race. We worked with activists at Worcester State, and that’s how the first 5k nonprofit kind of got to be born.” Broderick, a longtime childhood friend of Mellen’s, said she knew little about the mental health of correction officers. “I knew Bryanna’s father, and I knew he was a CO pretty much my entire life, but I never knew what he did,” she said. “It wasn’t until after his death that I think we both realized what a CO really went through and to raise awareness about that is really where On Guard came from.” The constant stress of working in a prison environment, where one is susceptible to hatred and threats of physical violence, can culminate in PTSD and various traumatic experiences for correction officers. “They definitely have a target on their back,” said Broderick. “They always have to be on guard.”
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As for the actualization of this organization, Mellen and Broderick faced difficulties. “We were 19 at the time we were trying to start this organization,” Mellen said. “We tried calling and getting in contact with as many people as we could, but no one took us seriously.” Regardless of the setbacks, Mellen and Broderick did not let it obscure their vision. Eventually, after several fruitless endeavors, came the On Guard Initiative’s saving grace – Paul Richards. “Paul was right off the bat really enthusiastic about helping us,” Mellen said. “He really was a fundamental person for us starting out.” Richards is the founder of the Shine Initiative, a Central Massachusetts nonprofit organization for the mental health of children. While he was unfamiliar with the history of correction officers’ mental health issues, he had experience in the nonprofit sector and mentored Mellen and Broderick in their early stages. Today, the On Guard Initiative is thriving. With a website reaching an international audience, Mellen and Broderick still consistently execute new ways of raising awareness for a cause that is so important to them and numerous others. From being the keynote speakers at several conferences around the U.S. and facilitating support groups for families to sponsoring multiple scholarships each year for children of correction officers, Mellen and Broderick are vigilant crusaders. The overall message of the On Guard Initiative is that everyone “is in it together,” Mellen said. Though the On Guard Initiative provides resources and support in various ways through diversified outlets, the biggest event is the annual 5k race. This year, the On Guard Initiative will celebrate its fourth year of successful 5k races that raise awareness about suicide prevention and mental health in correction officers. To the satisfaction of Mellen of Broderick, each new year yields a larger turnout. “It’s definitely growing,” Mellen said. “It’s very exciting. The first year, we had about 150 people. The second year was a little less than 200.” Be sure to check out this year’s fourth annual On Guard 5k race at Worcester State University on May 1. There will be correction officers and their families on hand, as well as a cookout. For more information, visit onguardinitiative.org.
N OR TH
NOR TH COUNTY • DINING • ENTER TAINMENT • NIGHTLIFE • SHOPPING
C OU N TY • DINING • ENTER TAINMENT • NI GHTL IFE • SHOPPI NG
NOR TH COUNTY • DINING • ENTER TAINMENT • NIGHTLIFE • SHOPPING
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Go to the sea for
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36 THEPULSEMAG.COM | April 2016
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stealthestyle: The head poncho BEFORE
AFTER By Jamie Burke Spring is the ideal season to wear ponchos! This is the type of pivotal fashion piece that everyone needs, and they’re really hard to find. Actually, you can find them everywhere, but finding one that looks fashionable is basically impossible. You will come across ponchos that look like a crazy Mexican tent or make you look like you just threw on your grandmother’s couch blanket that she got on her trip to Arizona with her bingo club. Most are too loud, too big or too thick. For ponchos, light and basic is best. Because finding the perfect poncho is like finding the fountain of youth, I encourage you to make it your damn self! Thirty minutes and a small list of supplies will make you the Head Poncho!
Supplies: Fabric Scissors Chalk Measuring tape Needle and thread or sewing machine Buttons or scarf pins optional Margaritas Guacamole
STEPS: •
•
• • •
Most bolts of fabric are 58 inches wide, so just use that as a point of reference or starting point in deciding how wide you want to make the poncho. You will need 1¾ yards of fabric for the length. Try to pick a loosely woven fabric that has self-frayed edges. Take your measuring tape and measure out 60 inches of fabric. Mark out with chalk on the edge, and do the same on opposite side. Fold and cut along from chalk edge to chalk edge. Next, fold your piece in half, then again. On the folded inner point, you want to take your chalk and draw a small quarter circle, like a rainbow. Make sure to only chalk it out about three to four inches. Now, cut the rainbow out. Unfold the fabric just once and cut from the circle down only one fabric layer on the longest side. Make sure to cut right at the fold; this lets you skip a step for measuring and cutting. Open it up, and you have the actual poncho shape. Now, decide whether you want to leave your poncho completely frayed or if you want a clean edge. I sewed mine through a machine, but you can hand-stitch. You will have to sew all the edges, which should be folded over about a ¼ of an inch. Sew or fray away! At this point, try on the poncho and decide whether or not you want to add accessories. I like mine plain so I can play with it for different styles. I like to use scarf pins instead of buttons. They are about $2 at any craft or sewing store. Pair with your favorite worn T-shirt, jeans, boots and chunky belt! Throw on a sombrero, pick me up, take me to Mezcal and buy me a shot of tequila, a margarita, all the guacamoles and tell me how pretty I look in my poncho.
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